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34
ST. LUKE'S SCHOOL FOR THE PARTIALLY SIGHTED
During the year steady progress continued in all aspects of school
activities. The average number of children on roll has been sixteen. Of
this number there are five children in the infant age group, nine in the
junior and two in the senior age groups. Alternative placement for the two
latter children is being actively sought but both are seriously handicapped
and this caused many problems regarding their education.
From the beginning of the Autumn Term part-time teaching assistance
has been available for each morning. This has made it possible for the unit
to be divided for part of the day into two groups which has been very beneficial
for the children whose educational needs and degree of vision vary
to such a great extent.
At the beginning of the new school year a pupil of high intelligence
began part-time attendance at Winterbourne Junior Boys' School. It is pleasing
to report that he is working alongside normal children very well, and is
benefiting from the competition provided by normally sighted children. The
co-operation of the neighbouring head-teachers will be sought whenever it
is felt that a partially sighted child could benefit from working with normal
children. If adjustment to normal education can be carried out gradually,
then it may be possible to integrate the more able partially sighted child
into normal school life once some measure of confidence has been acquired.
:A group of children have attended swimming regularly and they have all
made good progress. Three children have gained swimming certificates.
Mr. W. Cole, the swimming instructor, has given the children a great deal of
help and their progress is due to his patience and interest.
Various school functions such as Open Day, Parents Evenings and the
Harvest Festival Service, have been well attended. The parents are very
appreciative of opportunities to meet and to discuss problems.
Several educational visits have been arranged during the year. These
have included visits to the London Zoo, Greenwich Park, Horniman's
Museum and Brighton. Whenever possible the children travel by public
transport to give them the experience of using 'buses and trains as the
aim is to make them as mobile as their disability will permit.
Mr. T.E. Davies, the Ophthalmologist, has visited the school twice
during the year, and Dr. J.S. Horner has carried out a routine medical
examination.
Children on Roll 31.12.67 - 16
Transferred to St. Giles' - 2
Children admitted - 3
Transferred to other area - 1